Abstract: A welding torch having a torch body that is adapted to receive a welding electrode. A collet and collet body, or other mechanism, may be used to secure the electrode to the torch body. The welding torch has a handle that is securable to the torch body, but which may be selectively removed from the torch body. The welding torch may be operated with the handle removed. The welding torch is adapted to prevent arcing from the torch body to a surrounding surface when the handle is removed. The welding torch also may have a cable that is adapted to convey gas and electricity that is affixed to the torch body. The torch body may have an electrical connector disposed within the torch body for connection to the cable operable to convey gas and electricity. The cable and torch may also be adapted to provide cooling water to the torch body. The torch body may also be flexible.

Abstract: According to a first embodiment of the method, the stud holder is first positioned without a part to be welded at a certain distance from the tool surface. A part to be welded is then provided. When the welding axle moves towards the workpiece, the path that needs to be travelled in order to bring the part to be welded and the workpiece into contact is detected. Conclusions regarding the presence or absence of a part to be welded are then drawn, based on the previous distance between the stud holder and the workpiece and the path travelled. According to another embodiment, the stud holder is moved towards the workpiece with a part to be welded until contact is detected. If, after contact is detected, further movement of the welding axle is possible as a result of the part to be welded being pushed into the stud holder, this is interpreted as an indication of the presence of a part to be welded.

Abstract: A method of specifying components in order to design and evaluate a weld gun configuration. A visual representation of the type of welding gun to be designed is provided along with a plurality of menus with user selectable options, such as dimensional specifications. Available options are offered in each of the menus that are available for the welding gun to be designed and non-available options are so indicated. A user selects an option from one of the menus, triggering calculation of new design values. User selection also initiates determination and display of newly available or newly non-available options resulting from the user selection. In addition, a weld gun parameter specification system is described that includes a parameter database, a computer-readable medium containing computer-executable instructions for performing a method of weld gun parameter specification and an output component.

Abstract: Vented shield systems for plasma arc torches are provided that comprise a shield cup body defining a distal end portion and at least one gas passage formed along the distal end portion. Additionally, a shield cap is disposed proximate the distal end portion with a flow control member disposed within the shield cap. Accordingly, a portion of a secondary gas is vented proximally through the gas passage and another portion of the secondary gas is vented distally through the flow control member. In another form, a shield cap is provided that comprises an annular ridge that blocks the secondary gas from flowing through the gas passage formed in the shield cup body. Further, methods of venting a secondary gas from a plasma arc torch are provided wherein a portion of the secondary gas is vented proximally and another portion of the secondary gas is vented distally.

Abstract: A method and device for joining coated metal sheets by laser welding is provided in which the metal sheets (1, 2) are placed one on top of another such that the marginal strip (4) of one metal sheet (2) protrudes over the marginal strip (3) of the other metal sheet (1). The marginal strips (3, 4) are pressed together at least in some areas and are joined by laser welding with a laser beam (14) directed at right angles or at about right angles to the plane of the marginal strips (3, 4). The protruding marginal strip (4) is pushed away from the other marginal strip (3) during the laser welding to form a degassing space (10).

Abstract: A laser irradiating system, comprising a light source for emitting a laser beam in elliptical shape, a light source holder for holding the light source, a base for rotatably supporting the light source holder, a first driving unit for rotating the light source holder, a deflecting optical means for deflecting the laser beam from the light source in a direction perpendicular to an optical axis, a rotator holder for holding the deflecting optical means and being rotatable around the optical axis of the light source, a cylindrical lens being arranged so that a center of the cylindrical lens is aligned with the optical axis and the laser beam from the deflecting optical means enters perpendicularly to the optical axis and for diffusing the transmitting laser beam to a fan-shaped laser beam, a control unit for controlling the first driving unit and a receiver for receiving a signal for remote-control operation, wherein an irradiating direction of the fan-shaped laser beam can be operated in remote control operatio

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing very high crown and camber curvature in slider materials using a laser processing system which produces fluence which is variable in a controllable manner, by applying a laser beam to the flex side of the slider material and varying the fluence of the laser beam to optimize the curvature in the slider material. The fluence is variable by finely controlling the power output of the laser or by changing the spot size of the laser beam. The beam spot size can be changed by using a focusing lens to establish a focal plane and then varying the relative positions of the slider relative and the focal plane.

Abstract: The invention describes a method of brazing workpieces (16) with a torch (10), in particular a plasma or welding torch, having an electrode (28), in which a transmitted and/or non-transmitted working arc supplied with power from a power source or a current source (2) is produced in order to generate a plasma beam from a delivered plasma gas, whereby at least one filler material (38) is fed to the seam region of the workpieces (16) to be joined. The filler material (38) is connected to the or to another power source or current source (39). To this end, one potential (40) of the power source or current source (39) is applied to the filler material (38) and the other potential (35, 41) to the workpieces (16). The power source or current source (39) is regulated in such a way that when the filler material (38) is lifted off the workpiece (16) an arc is prevented from being generated.

Abstract: An electric arc welding apparatus comprising at least a first consumable electrode and a second consumable electrode movable in unison along a welding path between the edges of two adjacent, mutually grounded plates, a first power supply for passing a first welding current at a first low frequency between the first electrode and the two plates, a second power supply for passing a second welding current at a second low frequency between the second electrode and the two plates, where each of the power supplies includes a three phase voltage input operated at line frequency, a rectifier to convert the input voltage to a DC voltage link and a high frequency switching type inverter converting the DC voltage link to a high frequency AC current, an output rectifier circuit to provide a positive voltage terminal and a negative voltage terminal, and an output switching network operated at a given low frequency for directing a pulsating welding current at the given low frequency from the two terminals across one of the

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for cleaning welding torches, for example in automated welding lines, on welding robots and in made-to-order production, by means of a cold medium, preferably CO2 dry ice. According to the method, a compressed air stream, charged with CO2 dry ice directed constantly or at intervals by a jet nozzle onto one side of the surface to be cleaned and simultaneously describes a rotational movement.

Abstract: Disclosed is a solid wire for arc welding, including: a flat portion of a wire surface with no copper plating, wherein micro Vickers hardness (Hv) of the flat portion is in the range of 115 to 310 and arithmetical average roughness (Ra) of the flat portion is in the range of 0.01 to 0.30·m. The solid wire is based on a new concept different from a conventional solid wire. The solid wire for arc welding has excellent feedability without copper plating, thereby improving weld workability. Consumption of energy during manufacture of the solid wire can be reduced because the solid wire is manufactured without copper plating, and a weld work environment can be improved because copper fumes are not generated.

Abstract: The invention comprises an assembly of an integrated vessel transporter (ITV) and at least one reaction vessel adapted to hold a chemical substance. The IVT is adapted transport the vessel from a first station to a second station in an automated laboratory system. The IVT comprises conditioning means for conditioning at least one physical quantity of the substance. Further, the IVT comprises sensing means for sensing the at least one physical quantity. Still further, the conditioning means can be at least partly controlled by the sensing means. The conditioning means can comprise a stirrer, such as a contactless magnetic stirrer, and temperature conditioning means, comprising a heater and a heat sink. The temperature conditioning means can be controlled by a temperature sensor comprised in the stirrer.

Abstract: The invention relates to an iron comprising, from the base upwards: a heating soleplate (1); a body (2) which is defined by a casing; and a handle (3), the rear end of which is connected to the body (2) of the iron. The aforementioned handle (3) is connected to the body (2) at the rear end thereof by means of arms (5) which extend outwards from said body in an essentially symmetric manner in relation to the mid-place of the iron, thereby creating an open cavity or space therebetween.

Abstract: A device for satellites is associated with heaters that are turned on when the device is turned off and turned off when the device is turned on. The device includes a power supply, a system for turning the device on and off and a system for turning the heaters on and off controlled by the system for turning the device on and off. The power supply supplies power to the heaters when they are turned on and do not supply power to the heaters to turn on the device. The device is more particularly suited to communication equipment for satellites associated with substitution heaters.

Abstract: A method for using magnetic fields to heat magnetically susceptible materials within and/or adjacent to adhesives, so as to bond, bind, or fasten solid materials to one another. The system uses alternating magnetic fields that induce eddy currents and generate heat within susceptors. An induction heating tool is used to emit the magnetic field at its work coil, and an electronic controller measures the energy being used by a power converter that generates the alternating current driving the work coil which creates the magnetic field. The heating tool is used in a method of adhesive bonding in which the thickness of the conductive layer of the susceptor is in the range of 0.01-3.0 mils, or the heating event time interval is in the range of 0.05-10.0 seconds, or the average power density of the magnetic field at the susceptor is in the range of 10-5000 Watts per square inch.

Abstract: A microwave oven which has a simple structure, and steams food placed in a cooking cavity without having a separate steaming container. The microwave oven includes the cooking cavity provided in a cabinet, a magnetron provided outside the cooking cavity to irradiate microwaves into the cooking cavity, and a microwave inlet hole formed on a predetermined portion of the cooking cavity to irradiate the microwaves from the magnetron into the cooking cavity. A steaming plate is provided in the cooking cavity so as to partition the cooking cavity into upper and lower sections, and blocks the microwaves and allows water vapor to pass therethrough. The microwave inlet hole communicates with a bottom of the steaming plate provided in the cooking cavity.

Abstract: A microwave oven includes a toaster integrated with the microwave oven to form a single structure. The microwave oven having the toaster, includes a cabinet provided with a cooking cavity and a microwave irradiating unit to irradiate microwaves into the cooking cavity. The microwave oven further includes a toaster body mounted on an upper portion of the cabinet and provided on a front thereof with an opening. A grilling shelf is retractably installed in the toaster body to be taken out of the toaster body through the opening, and is provided with a door to close the opening. A guide unit guides a movement of the grilling shelf. A drive unit moves the grilling shelf in the toaster body. A heater unit is installed in the toaster body to heat bread laid on the grilling shelf.

Abstract: A microwave oven having a magnetron that generates microwaves, a magnetron driving circuit that supplies high voltage power to the magnetron and a machine room that accommodates the magnetron and the magnetron driving circuit. The microwave oven includes a single magnetron driving circuit board in which the magnetron and the electronic devices of the magnetron driving circuit are mounted thereon. The single magnetron driving circuit board is fixedly attached to the machine room by mounting members.

Abstract: A microwave oven, is designed such that its switches accurately sense whether a door is open or not when opening or closing the door, thus preventing microwaves from leaking out. The microwave oven includes a hook unit, a hook locking unit, a locking step, and a sensing switch. The hook unit is mounted to the door functioning to open or close a cabinet. The hook locking unit is installed in the cabinet to engage with the hook unit. The locking step is provided in the hook locking unit to catch the hook unit when the hook unit enters the hook locking unit. The sensing switch is installed in the hook locking unit to sense whether the hook unit enters the hook locking unit. A screw holding unit is provided on a predetermined portion of the locking step to hold a setscrew which functions to mount the hook locking unit to the cabinet.

Abstract: A wall-mounted type microwave oven includes a cleaning device which is in contact with a guide plate and cleans the guide plate during an extension and/or retraction of the guide plate. The cleaning device includes brushes which are in contact with upper and lower surfaces of the guide plate, and detergent containers which support the brushes and receive detergent therein. The detergent containers include detergent inlets so as to allow the detergent to be injected to the brushes. Since the guide plate slides and is in contact with the brushes containing the detergent, the guide plate is always maintained in a clean condition. That is, the cleaning operation of the guide plate is automatically performed in response to a moving operation of the guide plate.

Abstract: A tank (1) comprises two half-shells (2, 3) moulded from plastics material and joined along respective edges or flanges (2a, 3a). These half-shells (2, 3) are shaped in such a way that their joining edges or flanges (2a, 3a) are in a concavity (4) in the tank (1).

Abstract: The present invention is a container assembly that includes an inner tube formed from a plastic that is substantially inert to bodily fluids and an outer tube that is formed from a different plastic. Collectively, the container assembly is useful for providing an effective barrier against gas and water permeability in the assembly and for extending the shelf-life of the container assembly, especially when used for blood collection. The inner container is spaced from the outer container at most locations. However, the inner container includes an enlarged top configured to engage the outer container. The enlarged top has a roughened outer surface to permit an escape of air from the space between the containers.

Abstract: A lid for a beverage container, comprising: a container attachment portion for removable association with the rim of an associated liquid container in a snug liquid-tight relation, an annular cover panel portion extending radially inwardly from the container attachment portion, an opening in the annular cover panel portion to permit insertion of straw while the container attachment portion is attached to an associated container, and a sauce compartment in the annular cover panel portion to provide an vacant area for sauce, said sauce compartment is sunken-in from the annular cover panel portion.

Abstract: A storage container which is opened and closed by horizontally rotating a lid body with regard to the container body, halving a rotating torque such that the lid body has a suitable resistance feel when rotating, and at the same time, makes a technical issue of the setting of the lid body rotation limits, so that the rotation of the lid body with regards to the container body will be reinforced, so that a fulfilling feeling during use can be obtained, and which has a storage section with functions appropriate to the storage material being stored.

Abstract: A container comprises a body portion (1), a lid portion (41) and, mounted on one of the body portion and the lid portion, a locking member (55). The locking member is movable from an unlocking position to a locking position in which it engages the other of the body portion and the lid portion to hold the lid in engagement with the body portion. The container is provided with a sealing means (79) including a sealing member which extends between the locking member (55) and other of the body portion (1) and the lid portion (41) when the locking member is in its locking position. Movement of the locking member (55) from the locking to the unlocking position is only possible if the sealing member (79) is rendered ineffective for further sealing use.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for transporting and/or storing an especially liquid medium, which comprises a relatively thin-walled plastic inner container (1) that receives the medium and an outer container (4) that encloses the inner container like a trough. At the top, said inner container (1) is provided with a filling opening that is configured as a threaded tube (2), and at the bottom, if required, with a drain opening (3). The outer container (4) consists of a pallet-type support (5) that supports the inner container (1) on its underside and a jacket (6) that adjoins the support (5). The inner container (1) is secured in the outer container (4) by means of a cover plate (8) fastened on the outer container (4).

Abstract: A bottle-shaped container made of synthetic resin including a body that has a left side and a right side which are symmetric to each other to a central axis line of the container, wherein each of the left and right sides is formed in a region including a center of the body, with a concaved portion for absorbing distortion due to changes of an internal pressure of the container, the concaved portions in the right and left sides are conformable in shape each other, and have same dimensions, each of said concaved portions includes an upper edge, a lower edge and a bottom wall, said bottom wall is in a form of shallowly concaved arc in at least one direction of a longitudinal direction and a lateral direction of a circumferential wall of the body, each of the concaved portion is formed with protruded reinforcing portions at to an upper and lower portion thereof, and each of the reinforcing portions has a height is gradually reduced from the upper or lower edge to the bottom wall, and a lateral width gradually red

Abstract: An article handler having an article storage area and an article dispensing opening at a top portion thereof, with a hinged lid mounted so as to have at least a predetermined range of arcuate movement thereover. The lid has a lifting portion thereon adapted for engagement with a lid opening/closing mechanism, and a lid opening/closing mechanism mounted adjacent the cooled article storage area.

Abstract: A collecting container for discharging material in piece form in pieces including a device for sealing the discharge opening and for discharging the material in the form of a rotating body in which through openings are provided. The device is disposed inside the collecting container. The through openings of the rotating body can be covered by the discharge opening by rotating the rotating body, thereby allowing the pieces of material to be discharged.

Abstract: A label sheet assembly is provided with bar code information thereon defining the layout of the labels on the backing sheet. A versatile label dispenser apparatus advances the label sheets and deflects them over a peeling bar in one direction to partially separate the labels from the backing sheet; with the advancing action being determined by the bar code information. The label sheet assemblies are then deflected in the opposite direction, and are routed in a substantially flat condition to the output of the dispenser apparatus. The labels are partially dispensed, substantially vertically from the dispenser, and a substantial number of sensors are provided to sense when all of the labels have been removed; and then the dispenser advances the label sheet assembly to partially dispense the next row of labels. The bar code reader may also sense the leading edge of the label sheet assembly to accurately control the incremental advancing of the label sheet assembly.

Abstract: Automated vending machine that can hold a large number of items while occupying only a small footprint. The main elements of the device are a hollow housing comprised of item loading and dispensing openings. Mounted within the housing is a motor-driven conveyor to which are affixed a plurality of item mounts, each mount associated with one of plurality of item identifiers. A sensor keeps track of the items on the conveyor. Inputs to an interface mounted on the device signal a processor controllably coupled to the motor, item mounts, sensor and loading and dispensing opening.

Abstract: A container for holding and dispensing articles such as beverage cans and bottles wherein a first set of said articles are laid horizontally in a row over a slanted floor, and are retained therein by a vertically movable plate resting upon said row. A barrier projects downwardly from the front edge of the plate against the lowermost article in the first set and prevents the entire set from rolling toward an opening at the base of the slanted floor. A second set of articles is similarly positioned upon the plate. The weight of the second set prevents the plate and barrier from moving upward and freeing the first set until all the articles in the first set have rolled toward the opening. Additional plates and sets of articles can be superimposed above the first and second sets. A control gate is provided to allow the articles to be dispensed one by one through the opening.

Abstract: A device for dispensing folded sheets of material, such as a paper napkin, provides a selected time interval between successive dispensing operations in order to limit the overall rate at which the product is dispensed. The device uses a reciprocatable vacuum head for picking a napkin from a supply stack controlled to have an uppermost article at a selected height, and for then delivering the napkin to a delivery chute. The dimensions of the device can be matched the size of the napkin so that the vacuum head travels high that even if the napkin partially unfolds, it does not contact any portion of the device that could soil it or that it could jam. The vacuum head may be driven by a swing-arm linkage coupled to a crank turned by an electric gearmotor once per delivery cycle.

Abstract: A double-acting or lift and force pump for ejecting a product from a container, with a housing in which a piston with an axial bore is axially slidable and sealed by a first housing portion, with a hollow piston rod which extends the axial bore of the piston and is slidable in an opening of a piston rod has at its free end a tightly fastened actuating head, wherein, when the actuating head is actuated, the piston builds up a pressure against the force of a restoring spring in a pressure chamber of the housing, wherein an outlet duct connected to the bore extends through the actuating head and through a check valve up to an ejection opening for the product, and with at least one opening in a second housing portion between the first housing portion and the closing cap.

Abstract: An elevating dispenser to lift and suspend fragile foodstuffs from within an upright canister for serving. A column of wafers (13) rests on an elevating dispenser (10) inside a canister (11). When wafers have been removed to the point that they are no longer easily obtainable from the canister aperture, the user lifts the dispenser and engages notches (10c) integral to the dispenser on the canister rim (11b), thus suspending wafers nearer the canister aperture to make them more easily obtainable.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products flowably dispense meted amounts of dry powders using a flexing piezoelectric layer to transmit a vibratory signal to the dry powder to facilitate fluidic flow through a flow channel. The apparatus for dispensing dry powders can include: (a) an elongate flow channel having a width, length, and depth, the flow channel having axially spaced apart inlet and outlet ports, wherein the elongate flow channel is configured to extend in an angular orientation of between about 10-75 degrees relative to the axial direction of flow; (b) a flexible piezoelectric layer configured to overlie the flow channel so that, in operation, the piezoelectric layer is able to flex upwardly away from the lowermost portion of the underlying flow channel; and (c) a signal generator operatively associated with the piezoelectric layer, wherein, in operation, the signal generator is configured to output a signal for flexing the piezoelectric layer in the elongate flow channel.

Abstract: What is proposed here is a pipette system comprising a pipette capillary tube (1) and an actuator (9), with the actuator serving to set the position of a phase boundary (13) between a system medium (3) and a second medium in the pipette capillary and with a sensor element (18) being provided for measuring the position of the phase boundary, in such a way that the actuator is controlled by a regulating element (12) in response to an output signal from the sensor element.

Abstract: An unloading system includes a transport for flowable product and an unloading assembly for enabling the flowable product to be removed from the transport without requiring personnel to crawl under the transport in order to connect or disconnect the transport and the unloading assembly.

Abstract: A collapsible bag for dispensing liquids which includes at least one sheet sealed to define an enclosure and a fitment (spout) attached to the enclosure and out through which liquid in the enclosure is dispensed. An interior surface of the one or more sheets has an integral texture to assist with withdrawal of the liquid from the enclosure when collapsed. The texture can be provided by sheet surfaces that are mechanically or ultrasonically embossed or are bubble-cushioned or which have sealed pleats or accordion folds. The bottom surface of a lower flange of the fitment may have concentric ridges (or spirals) and/or radial grooves. Also disclosed are methods of making the bag from one, two, three or four sheets.

Abstract: A fluid dispenser device comprising a body (1), dispensing means (30) for dispensing the fluid, a first reservoir (10) containing a first fluid and a second reservoir (20) containing a second fluid, the first and second fluids being to be mixed prior to dispensing so as to form one or more doses of fluid to be dispensed, said fluid dispenser device being characterized in that it further comprises a mixture-forming system for mixing the first and second fluids in one of said reservoirs (10, 20), said mixture-forming system having a manual actuating element (50) that is mounted to move in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the direction in which the fluid is dispensed, said manual actuating element (50) being actuatable with one hand and acting, after said first and second fluids have been mixed, to actuate the dispensing means (30) for dispensing the fluid, without any further manipulation of the device being necessary.

Abstract: A closure element for a beverage container is in the form of a sports cap, other closer, or initially closed straw, and provides a chamber for containing colorants in the form of liquids, gels, granules, powders, tablets or other solid bodies. Closures such as valves, rupturable membranes, hinged doors, clamps or undersized holes provide closer structure for initially keeping the chambers closed with respect to the colorant so that colorant does not flow into the beverage until released to do so by the customer. Upon opening ends of the chambers, colorants flow into beverages in the containers, which containers are made of see-through/clear or partially see-through materials. In a preferred embodiment, the colorant is a material enclosed in at least one capsule which flows through openings in the chamber within the closure element when the capsule is ruptured or perforated.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (1) for the take-up and/or release of samples of a liquid (2). Said device comprises a movable unit (3) that is provided with a hollow body (4) with a cavity (5) that is substantially filled with a system liquid (6) or a sample liquid (2), and with a movable element (7) that acts upon the cavity (5) and aspires and/or dispenses the liquid (2). The movable unit is further provided with a first drive element (8′) for displacing the movable element (7) during aspiration and/or dispensing, which engages or can be engaged with the a first drive (8), with a pulse generator (9) that generates compression waves in one of the liquids (2, 6) in the cavity during dispensing, with a liquid conduit (10) that communicates with the cavity (5) and with a pipette tip (11) or an adapter (12) for receiving an ejectable pipette tip (11′).

Abstract: A grip cover is provided for fitting over the hand grip of a coating dispensing device for dispensing coating material. The grip cover includes material for cushioning a hand of an operator using the coating dispensing device.

Abstract: A closure element for a beverage container is in the form of a sports cap, or other closer, or initially closed straw and provides a chamber or reservoir for containing colorant in the form of liquids, gels, granules, powders, tablets or other solid bodies. Closures such as valves, rupturable membranes, hinged doors or clamps provide closer structure for initially keeping the chambers closed. Upon opening the bottom ends of the chambers, colorants flow into beverages in the containers which are see-through/clear or partially see-through/clear. Coloration of the beverage is voluntarily initiated by the consumer and the thus colored beverages are then consumed by passage through the closure element. In one embodiment of the invention, the colorant is a medicinal agent which can be colored or may be clear. The medicinal agent is released into liquid, which may be water, for ingestion by a patient.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a manually actuated delivery device for the delivery of a volume of liquid. The delivery device comprises a housing (1a, 1b, 1c) which includes an outlet (4) through which liquid, in use, is delivered, a removable cover member which at least partly covers the outlet (4), an actuating member (3) and a liquid delivery assembly (5, 6).

Abstract: A kit for dispensing liquid includes a cap for attachment to a container, the cap defining an outlet. An inner tube is attached to the cap for insertion into the container, a first end thereof being in communication with the outlet and a second end telescopically extending below the container's liquid level. A pump is situated on the cap for selectively pumping air into the container through the inner tube. In one embodiment, a cap vent enables air to be drawn into the pump for transfer into the container so as to urge liquid to flow through the inner tube to the outlet. In another embodiment, a cap vent is positioned to maintain a continuous flow of liquid through the inner tube after the pump has initiated a siphon effect. In either embodiment, an outer tube connects the cap outlet with a dispensing mechanism for selectively dispensing liquid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an assembly for packaging and distribution of a liquid product comprising:

Abstract: A valve mechanism adapted for a fluid-discharging port of a tube-type fluid container, comprising: a valve seat portion 40 having an opening 41 through which a fluid flows; a valve portion 20 comprising a valve body 21 having a shape corresponding to the opening 41, and a shaft 22 connected to the valve body 21 and extending downward from the valve body 22; and a valve support portion 30 comprising: (i) a bottom plate 39 to which a tip of the shaft 22 is connected; (ii) an annular support 35 fixedly connected to the valve seat portion 40; and (iii) multiple connectors 32 connecting the bottom plate 39 and the annular support 31, the connectors 32 elastically urging the bottom plate 39 downward to close the opening 41 with the valve body 21 and being bendable as the bottom plate 39 moves upward and pushes the valve portion 20 to open the opening 41.

Abstract: A dosing device for bulk goods comprises a mounting frame (2) in which a trough (4) with a dosing screw (28) is arranged, a drive motor (30) and at least one first vibrating paddle (48). The trough (4) comprises two opposing sidewalls (14, 16), of which at least one flexible sidewall (14) is flexible and the vibrating paddle (48) is arranged on said flexible sidewall (14). The upper edges of said sidewalls (14, 16) are not parallel to each other. A significant improvement in mass flow may be achieved, with a particularly effective prevention of cavity formation, whereby any bulk goods bridges which are formed are rapidly and effectively broken. Even bulk goods which have a clearly poor flow characteristic and tend to clump or stick to the trough sidewalls can be dosed without problems.

Abstract: A multifunctional bottle cap is disclosed, which includes a cap body having a lower portion with internal threads for connecting to a neck of a bottle, and an upper portion having an upwardly protruding nozzle with an outlet opening at an edge portion of the nozzle; a straw having an upper end extending out of the protruding nozzle adjacent to the outlet opening, the straw being vertically movable to extend upward from the cap body; and a spray assembly having a press pumping mechanism, an aspiration tube, a pump button extending upwardly, and a spray nozzle in perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the cap body; the spray pump being positioned on an opposing side of the protruding nozzle. The multifunctional bottle cap provides a user the ability to drink, spray and pour liquid from an attached bottle.